MONDAY HEALTH BURST – COVID19
According to the WHO,coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as severe acute
respiratory syndrome(SARS)and the Middle East respiratory syndrome(MERS).
These viruses were originally transmitted from animals to people. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus Sars-cov-2 which was not previously identified in humans.
MODE OF TRANSMISSION
COVID19 can be transmitted via respiratory droplets from an infected individual
during sneezing,coughing or blowing of the nose. The virus can also stay on surfaces of objects when it comes in contact with them for a period of time.
SYMPTOMS
According to the WHO,signs of infection include fever, cough,shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
In more severe cases,it can lead to pneumonia,multiple organ failure and even death.
The most common symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are fever, tiredness,and dry cough.
Most people(about 80%)recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Older people,and people with other medical conditions(such as asthma,
diabetes,or heart disease), may be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill.
INCUBATION PERIOD
The incubation period ranges from 1-14days. Most infected people show
symptoms within 5-6days.
PREVENTION
To help stop the spread of coronavirus, practice handwashing with soap and water regularly for 20 seconds, sanitize your hands, door handles etc, with alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze, avoid touching your face, maintain social distance (1 meter or 3 feet) and stay at home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell.
There is currently no treatment or vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease(COVID-19).
People may need supportive care to help them breathe.
SELF CARE
If you have mild symptoms, stay at home until fully recovered. You can relieve the symptoms if you rest and sleep, keep warm, drink plenty of liquids, use a
room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough.
MEDICAL TREATMENTS
If you develop a fever, cough and have difficulty breathing, promptly seek medical care. Call in advance and tell your health provider of any recent travel or recent contact with travelers.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Covid-19 is a deadly infection which spreads very fast. There is no current vaccine or drug for the cure of this disease, hence taking preventive
measures will help limit the spread, morbidity and
mortality.
